We had the good fortune of connecting with Barbara Elaine Stamis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Barbara Elaine, what role has risk played in your life or career?
For me, right now, risk taking has to do with my intuition, fears and the archetype of the saboteur. When I am tuned in and I receive an idea or a desire to offer something in my teachings, if it is right, I will feel really elated, and then quickly the fear will set in. My inner saboteur will say so many things! “My idea isn’t good enough.” “Who am I to offer such a thing.” “No one needs this offering.” “What will people think of me?” The inner saboteur is quick, extremely convincing, relentless and it takes courage for me to not listen, step through or beyond the fears and into the risk or adventure of newness.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business feels like an extension of my life. My purpose with every individual I see is to help them find alignment and freedom physically and emotionally. What sets me apart from others is that I truly want to empower whomever I work with so that they re-learn how to move, breathe, heal and transform independently, every day, with or without me guiding them. I am also an alchemist in my studies and my offerings. I use many different tools to move each individual through their physical or emotional blocks. I too have blocks or challenges and they are usually related to my fear based thinking. I am continually stripping away fearful thoughts and old ways of thinking/being. What is underneath all that is the true me, here on this planet to share my full heart with every human and creature who crosses my path. Does this always happen? No! But I am always working toward that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My most favorite place in all of the city is my home! I live in Topanga Canyon and it feels like pure magic. I see hawks daily and thrive off of the sunshine and sacred Tongvan and Chumash land. My second favorite place is Topanga Beach. I love surfing and exploring the tide pools with my little one. If you were to visit me we would spend time on our property, the beach and we would eat local organic tacos from my soul sister La Chingona.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout to EVERY teacher I have ever had. Without them, I would not be where I am. My current most beloved mentor and teacher is Tawny Avonne. I don’t have words to describe the healing and becoming I am experiencing because of her wisdom and teachings.

Website: www.barbarastamis.com

Instagram: @barbarastamis

Image Credits
Aaron Benjamin Glassman

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.